In Lobi cosmogony, Thil Dokpa are spirits of the bush, above human beings and below Thila, invisible spirit creatures with human properties and characteristics. Thil Dokpa "are considered as living beings, active from the moment they are set upon an altar... They are then able to see, to communicate between themselves, and to protect and help humans in many ways and in various practical domains of daily life...once installed on the altars, [they] become active auxiliaries of the invisible spirits, the Thila, against witchcraft, evil spells and sickness and, on the other hand, to bring wealth, fertility, marriage, strength and happiness to whomever places them on his altar."(Giovanni Franco Scanzi 1987:31, 34)

Provenance:
Alexandra Martin-Blasselle Gallery, Nice, 2004

Exhibition History:
Parcours des Mondes, Paris, September 2004